Ernest Gold was an American composer, best known for his work in film music. Born on July 13, 1921, in Vienna, Austria, he emigrated to the United States in 1938. Gold gained significant recognition for his score for the 1960 film Exodus, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Score. Throughout his career, Gold composed music for various films, including It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World and The World, the Flesh and the Devil. His work often blended classical elements with contemporary styles, making him a notable figure in the film industry until his passing on July 17, 1999.